Definition of stratumnext
1
as in class
one of the segments of society into which people are grouped the lower strata of society have been hit especially hard by this economic downturn

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2
as in level
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement the level of writing in that pop novel is several strata beneath that of serious fiction

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stratum First, the sample was adjusted for unequal probability of selection by stratum. — New York Times, 21 May 2026 That stratum consisted mostly of bankers—guys in their 20s and 30s who spent their days moving money around and their nights trying to pretend that the rest of their lives weren’t preordained. — Jimmy Jellinek, SPIN, 28 Apr. 2026 The exhibition begins by presenting three different layers, which are sort of presented as a stratum. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 The taco features a stratum of smoke and heat, with the octopus piled onto a fresh corn tortilla with purple onions pickled Yucatan-style with citrus. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stratum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stratum
Noun
  • As part of orchestrating this project, Simon was also involved in securing visas for the various international performers, encountering in the process the uneven access to travel for cultural workers across classes, nationalities, and milieus.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The production took its time finding homes that felt lived in and signaled the class of the families inside them.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The service Gracious and genial, the staff operates on a high level.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Guitar Center wants its staff to match customers’ enthusiasm for music, whatever their skill level.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Its mission since 2002 has centered on stories about gender, sexuality, caste, class, religion and race that don’t always find space elsewhere.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
  • When Schaesta Ama outs him and kicks him out of their home, Payam comes to Mansur’s aide (albeit temporarily) but does not invite him up into his caste for more than an afternoon.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Does swapping in Leonard for Brandon Ingram put them in the upper echelon?
    — Doug Haller, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Jocelyn Bioh is entering the upper echelon of contemporary playwrights, after her current Broadway play, School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play, opened on September 28 to raves.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The clash added another layer to a campaign in which el Sayed’s positions on foreign policy and his associations with prominent progressive figures have become points of contention.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • While Spencer Jones is still a work in progress defensively in center, Grisham certainly shouldn’t be patrolling the position for the Yankees moving forward.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Health outcomes in the county rank among the worst in the state and nation, according to the Unified Government.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Aboard a massive capital ship, players work alongside a dynamic crew to earn their rank.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Follert credits the monthly check-ins and the direct impact employees can have in shaping the company culture for its ranking in the top 10.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Some determine whether a firm meets baseline requirements; others are weighted to determine its place in the final ranking.
    — Kelli Grant, CFP®,Riley de León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This collection of restaurants is designed to bring in locals and help revive the already emerging riverfront as a place to be in the city.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
  • This is a place to take a risk, to surrender, and at the very least, to experience something that can only happen for you in that moment — something altogether fleeting that is just yours.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stratum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stratum. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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